Samples needed for new flystrike study

Advertiser content: The development of resistance of the Australian blowfly to flystrike prevention chemicals is an ongoing risk. The last nation-wide survey conducted by the NSW DPI in 2011 found a low-level resistance to the flystrike chemical cyromazine common across Australia, whilst eight of these cyromazine resistant populations were also resistant to dicyclanil.

The development of resistance of the Australian blowfly to flystrike prevention chemicals is an ongoing risk.

The last nation-wide survey conducted by the NSW DPI in 2011 found a low-level resistance to the flystrike chemical cyromazine common across Australia, whilst eight of these cyromazine resistant populations were also resistant to dicyclanil.

A series of projects undertaken with AWI funding have been initiated to assess the current resistance rate.

AWI will work with the University of Tasmania, the NSW DPI and other collaborators to develop the Sheep Blowfly Resistance Strategy that will encompass a number of projects to investigate the level and geographical spread of blowfly resistance to flystrike chemicals across Australia.

Jessica Horstman, a Western Australian woolgrower, has recently submitted a sample of maggots found in flyblown ewes to be assessed by the project.

“I have found this year that six weeks after applying chemical, there was an instance where a number of my ewes were struck by flies,” Ms Horstman said.

“This hasn’t occurred in the past so I wanted to know a bit more and so donated a sample of maggots to the project. If resistance is building up I need to know so I can adapt my flystrike prevention plan accordingly.”

AWI and NSW DPI are calling for further samples of live maggots and wool from lousy sheep to be collected and sent in for testing. If you would like to participate, please contact Narelle Sales, NSW DPI on 0410 175 995 for more information or go to www.wool.com/maggotsamples